COMMERCE CITY, Colo.—A panel of experts says Colorado cities cannot ban hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas drillers, but there are other ways to ensure the drilling will be done safely.
The experts say any attempt to outlaw fracking would likely be overturned by a judge.
Commerce City has approved a 30-day moratorium on oil and gas activities to give officials time to study the issue before voting on a long-term moratorium.
According to the Denver Post ( ), the experts say cities can regulate the impact on wildlife and the environment. Critics are worried how health and water could be harmed.
The process involves blasting a mix of water, sand and chemicals underground. Industry officials say fracking has been done safely for decades.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
